When organizing an event, one of the most crucial steps is to inform your guests about the date well ahead of time. The traditional phrase “Save the Date” is commonly used to ensure your invitees mark it on their calendars.
However, repeating the same phrase can sometimes feel repetitive. It’s always nice to add some variety to keep your communication interesting. So, here are 15 alternative ways to say “Save the Date” (with examples) to keep things fresh and engaging.
Whether you’re hosting a wedding, birthday party, corporate event, or charity gala, there are plenty of ways to deliver the same message while keeping it exciting.
Mark Your Calendar
This simple and effective phrase works well for any event, from formal occasions like corporate gatherings to casual family events.
Example Scenario (Email): Subject: Mark Your Calendar for Our Wedding! Dear John,
We’re thrilled to share that our wedding will be on August 12th, 2025! Please mark your calendar so you can join us in celebrating this special day.
More details will follow soon!
Best regards,
Sarah and Liam
Set the Date Aside
This phrase adds a personal touch, suggesting that the date is one your guests should prioritize. It’s suitable for both formal and informal events.
Example Scenario (Invitation Card):
“Set the date aside for our wedding celebration on October 10th, 2025. We can’t wait to celebrate this special day with you!”
Block Off Your Schedule
“Block off your schedule” has a professional tone and clearly indicates that the event is important. It’s perfect for business events, conferences, or formal occasions.
Example Scenario (Business Email):
Subject: Block Off Your Schedule for Our Annual Conference
Hi Megan,
We’re excited to invite you to our Annual Marketing Workshop on September 18th, 2025. Please block off your schedule for this important event. More details will be coming soon!
Best regards,
The Marketing Team
Hold the Date
Casual yet effective, “Hold the Date” encourages guests to keep their calendars open without sounding too forceful. It works well for both formal and informal events, from weddings to casual get-togethers.
Example Scenario (Text Message):
“Hey Emily, just wanted to remind you to hold the date for my birthday party on December 1st, 2025! We can’t wait to celebrate with you.”
Pencil It In
“Pencil it in” is a flexible, informal way to suggest that guests should save the date, especially if the details may still change. It’s great for informal gatherings or events in the planning stages.
Example Scenario (Email):
Subject: Pencil It In for a Fun Night
Hi Sarah,
We’re planning a beach party for July 12th, 2025, and we’d love for you to join us! Please pencil it in, and we’ll send more details soon.
Looking forward to it,
Jack.
Circle the Date
This phrase adds a touch of excitement, creating an image of someone eagerly circling a special date on a calendar. It’s perfect for events like weddings or other celebrations.
Example Scenario (Wedding Invitation):
“Circle the date—May 14th, 2025—for our wedding celebration! We can’t wait to share this special day with you.”
Put This Date on Your Radar
“Put this date on your radar” implies that the event is one to watch out for and is worth your attention. It’s perfect for casual or semi-formal events and gives the message a modern, trendy twist.
Example Scenario (Email):
Subject: Put This Date on Your Radar!
Hi Megan,
Please put this date on your radar: April 22nd, 2025. We’re hosting a charity gala that evening, and we’d love for you to be there.
More details to follow soon!
Best regards,
Sarah and John
Don’t Miss This Date
This phrase creates a sense of urgency and excitement. It’s ideal for events where you want your guests to feel that this is something they cannot afford to miss.
Example Scenario (Social Media Post):
“Don’t miss this date: November 15th, 2025—our grand opening is just around the corner, and we want YOU to be there!”
Keep This Date Free
“Keep this date free” is simple and direct, making it clear that the guest should keep their calendar open. It’s especially effective for significant events like weddings or big celebrations.
Example Scenario (Invitation Card):
“Please keep this date free—June 3rd, 2025—for our wedding. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!”
Reserve This Day
This phrase is formal and suggests that guests should make a conscious effort to reserve the date. It’s perfect for high-profile or exclusive events.
Example Scenario (Corporate Invitation):
Subject: Reserve This Day for Our Company Anniversary
Hi Liam,
We are excited to invite you to our 20th Anniversary Celebration on March 20th, 2025. Please reserve this day in your calendar—we’d love to have you join us!
Best regards,
The XYZ Corp. Team
Lock It In
“Lock it in” conveys a sense of certainty and commitment. It’s ideal for events where guests need to ensure the date is secured, such as weddings or business conferences.
Example Scenario (Email):
Subject: Lock It In for the Big Day!
Dear Megan,
Our wedding is officially set for July 25th, 2025! Please lock it in your calendar—we’d love for you to be there to celebrate with us.
Looking forward to it,
Emily and Jack
Save the Spot
This phrase works well for events with limited availability, like exclusive parties or conferences. It suggests that guests need to secure their place in advance.
Example Scenario (Invitation):
“Save the spot for our product launch on September 25th, 2025. We’re excited to unveil something amazing, and we want you to be part of it!”
Don’t Forget This Date
Casual and friendly, this phrase serves as a reminder that the guest should make sure not to miss the event. It’s perfect for informal events like birthday parties or casual get-togethers.
Example Scenario (Text Message):
“Hey Sarah! Just a reminder—don’t forget this date: June 15th, 2025. It’s my birthday party, and I’d love to have you there!”
Make a Note of This Date
This phrase is subtle yet effective, encouraging your guests to mentally or physically note the date. It’s great for business events or casual gatherings where the guest is expected to remember the date.
Example Scenario (Email):
Subject: Make a Note of This Date for Our Workshop
Hi John,
Please make a note of this date: October 5th, 2025. We’re hosting a workshop on marketing strategies, and we’d love for you to be part of it!
More details to come.
Best regards,
The Marketing Team
Get Ready for This Date
This phrase builds excitement and anticipation, perfect for high-energy events like concerts, parties, or anything sure to be fun and exciting.
Example Scenario (Social Media Post):
“Get ready for this date: August 5th, 2025—we’re hosting a live concert, and you won’t want to miss it! Mark your calendars now!”
Additional Tips for Creating Engaging Event Reminders
Now that you’ve discovered 15 creative ways to say “Save the Date,” let’s dive into some additional tips to ensure your event reminders and invitations are not only effective but also engaging.
Personalize Your Event Reminders
Personalization is essential when it comes to making your event invitations stand out. Using the recipient’s name and adding specific details about the event shows that you care about their attendance. It also makes the message feel more relatable and memorable. For example, instead of sending a generic “Save the Date,” you could write something like:
“Emily, we’d love for you to join us on May 14th, 2025, as we celebrate our wedding day! Your presence will make our day even more special.”
Use Exciting Visuals
A picture truly is worth a thousand words, especially when it comes to event invitations. Using vibrant images, custom graphics, or even video invitations can help your reminder stand out in a crowded inbox or social media feed.
For instance, if you’re hosting a beach party, include stunning images of sandy shores, cocktails, and sunsets. For a wedding, consider using elegant floral designs or pictures of the venue to create an inviting atmosphere.
Create Urgency
For events that people are eagerly anticipating, creating a sense of urgency can motivate your guests to act quickly. Phrases like “Tickets going fast” or “Limited availability” make it feel like they need to reserve their spot to be part of something exciting. For example:
“Don’t miss out! Reserve your spot for our exclusive product launch on September 25th before tickets run out!”
Conclusion
Now that you have 15 different phrases to communicate the same important message—“Save the Date”—you can make your event reminders fresh, fun, and engaging. Whether you’re planning a wedding, a birthday celebration, or a corporate event, these alternatives will keep your guests excited and looking forward to the occasion.
The key is to tailor your message to match the tone of your event—whether formal or casual—and to make your guests feel valued, included, and eager for the celebration. With personalized and creative reminders, you’ll be sure to have a full guest list and a successful event.
By blending personalized, exciting, and engaging reminders, your event communication will be memorable, and your guests will be counting down the days until your big event!
